From NCT's Taeil, BIGBANG's Seungri to EXO's Kris Wu: Male K-pop idols accused of sexual offenses
K-pop idols often inspire admiration, but some allow fame to cloud their judgment and misuse their power. While many idols have been involved in scandals, a few male idols stand accused of exploiting their influence to harm women.
Trigger warning: The following content discusses sensitive topics, including sexual assault.
When fans look up to their favorite K-pop idols, it's always with awe and wonder, as these stars, who have put in the hard work, finally debut and make their dreams come true. However, some of these idols let the sudden fame they¡¯ve received go to their heads, using it as a power move.
Irrespective of gender, many scandals have broken out over the years involving idols misusing the name and fame they¡¯ve gained. However, there are a few male idols who have gone beyond that, using their influence to exploit and harm women. Let's examine the male idols who have been accused of sexual offenses over the years and somehow still continue to have public support.
NCT's Taeil:
The most recent case involves NCT's Taeil, who was removed from both his group and SM Entertainment. Why, you ask? On October 7, 2024, it was reported that he was under investigation by authorities for aggravated quasi-rape. The investigation centers around allegations that Taeil, along with two acquaintances, sexually assaulted an intoxicated woman in June. It is important to note that none of his accomplices are public figures. If convicted, Taeil could face up to seven years in prison.
Taeil was reportedly charged for sexually assaulting a drunken woman, with two other acquaintances. pic.twitter.com/EjzhrBYSNe
¡ª About Music (@AboutMusicYT) October 7, 2024
BigBang's Seungri:
The most infamous and horrific scandal to rock the K-pop industry was the 2019 Burning Sun scandal, which involved several prominent figures. Seungri, from the legendary group BigBang, was at the center of the controversy, facing accusations of providing sex workers, distributing non-consensual content, and embezzlement.
He was sentenced to three years in prison and left both BigBang and the entertainment industry. Seungri was indicted in January 2020 on charges of arranging illegal sexual services for investors, embezzling from a nightclub, and violating overseas gambling laws. Although he denied most of the charges, his case concluded in January 2022 with a reduced sentence of 18 months in prison and a fine.
In recent days, some of his fans have taken to social media, claiming Seungri was made a scapegoat in a much larger scheme and are attempting to prove his innocence.
SEUNGRI SHINES BRIGHTER EVERY DAY ?
¡ª Mica Rose ?Team Seungri? (@12MicaRose12) December 13, 2024
No amount of hate will stop that.
He is bigger than the hate.
He is stronger than the antis.
He knows how to keep his peace without losing his spirit.
We can all learn from him ?
#TheGreatVictoRiDay
FTisland's Choi Jong-Hoon:
The K-pop idol was also part of the Burning Sun scandal, where he was convicted of rape and distributing non-consensual videos. He was linked to illegal photo distribution and a 2016 drunk driving incident, which he attempted to cover up. He also faced charges of bribing an officer during the investigations. However, in 2020, while he admitted to the drunk driving charge, he denied the bribery allegations.
The celebrity South Korean¡¯s convicted for rape were Jung Joon-young (Drug Restaurant) & Choi Jong-hoon (FTISLAND)
¡ª Pratchetteer ????????(semi-retired) (@manonaswann) November 26, 2022
They were sentenced to 6 years & 5 years in prison, reduced on appeal to 5 years & 2 years 6 months
Choi Jong-hoon has already been released from detention 1/2 pic.twitter.com/RcN8ax1R3l
Drug Restaurant's Jung Joon-young:
The former musician's career came to a halt after he too was revealed to be part of the Burning Sun scandal. He was implicated in sharing non-consensual sexual videos, recording his own, and was convicted of raping two women, alongside former FTIsland member Choi Jonghoon.
listen I know it's hard to drop your fave, but these accusations are severe. I've been there, I was a huge fan of drug restaurant's jung joon-young but I dropped him the second I heard about the allegations against him
¡ª kiuru misses the rose (@brynsdarling) July 6, 2021
EXO's Kris Wu:
Although he spent little time in EXO, he gained significant fame and, after returning to China, became a prominent figure in the Chinese entertainment industry. However, the idol was later sentenced to 13 years in prison for "group lewdness" and sexually assaulting multiple women, including two minors.
All these allegations came to light in 2021 when influencer Du Meizhu exposed him on Weibo. In 2023, Wu's appeal was denied, and he will be deported to Canada after completing his sentence in China. Additionally, he was fined around $84 million for falsifying business transactions in 2019 and 2020.
Always by your side #Kriswu ? pic.twitter.com/BZg6P0rMkl
¡ª RiaKris_wu (@kris_wifey66) December 12, 2024
TVXQ's Yoochun:
The former TVXQ member was accused of sexual assault in 2016, but he denied the allegations, and the case was dismissed. However, he was ordered to pay $90,000 to one accuser for stress related to his countersuit. In 2019, he was convicted of methamphetamine use and initially retired from the entertainment industry, although he made a return less than a year later.
Singer/actor Park Yoochun is fined 1.4 million won for illegal drug use. Also gets 10 months in prison if he violates any other laws within a 2-yr probation period. Apologizes to his fans. #kpop pic.twitter.com/U6BWC3sbM4
¡ª LIM Yun Suk (@yunsukCNA) July 2, 2019
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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